- Toby Foreman, for being named the new head football coach at Central High School in Beaumont. Foreman, 34, had been the offensive coordinator at West Orange-Stark, where he coaches well-known stars like Earl Thomas, currently a safety for the Seattle Seahawks. In fact, Thomas attended the school board meeting where Foreman was named. "I treat kids with respect and they treat me with respect," Foreman said. "You've got to build the relationship with your team and with your kids. Coach Dan Hooks was the best, and his advice (Thursday) was, 'Love your kids'."

-- Former Lamar University men's basketball coach Billy Tubbs, for being named the head coach of the decade for the 1970s by the Southland Conference. Tubbs, who coached at his alma mater from 1976-80 and 2003-06, led the Cardinals to three conference championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances in his first stint, compiling a 75-46 record (31-9 in conference games). In 1980, his team advanced to the Sweet 16. "He deserves it," current head coach Pat Knight said. "You look at what he did here and (then) he was one of the top coaches in the Big 12. To me, he's one of the best coaches of all time and I've known him since I was a kid." In addition to Tubbs' honor, former Lamar players Luke Adams (1969-'71) and Clarence Kea (1976-'80) were named to the Southland Conference 1970s All-Decade Team.

-- The Beaumont Rotary Club, for celebrating its 100th anniversary at its regular Wednesday meeting at the MCM Elegante. Members observed their centennial with a version of "Happy Birthday to Us," which was helped along with Craig Escamilla, executive director of the Beaumont Symphony Orchestra, at the keyboard. The club could soon begin construction on all-access children's playground near the downtown Event Centre, planned as a gift to the city for the club's centennial.

Brickbats go to:

-- A residential alarm company soliciting door-to-door in the south end of Beaumont with unethical tactics. According to elderly homeowners who contacted Beaumont police, the tactics used by the sales representatives were misleading and possibly fraudulent. In a news release, the department advised homeowners to "always be wary of unsolicited door-to-door, mail, or email (on-line) sales offers. Never allow an unsolicited salesperson or service person in your house. When speaking with salespersons and service technicians, ask to see identification associated with the company they claim to represent." Residents are urged to call the department at 832-1234 with any questions or complaints about this practice.